How to Plan a Frat Party

Planning a frat party is rather easy. Most frat brothers and guests have a nonchalant, easygoing attitude when it comes to parties. The parties can be fun and unique, and you can build a cool theme to set your events apart from those of other fraternities.

Instructions

Plan a Frat Party

1. Get the basics down. You need to pick a venue, which could be anything from your fraternity house to a bowling alley or nightclub.

2. Compose a guest list and make sure you invite plenty of girls! Frat parties can be either private, including specific guests by invitation only, or open, which allows guests to bring a friend from outside the Greek system.

3. Hire music for the party, especially if it's a house party. You can find campus or other local disc jockeys through the campus newspaper or by word of mouth. Make sure the DJ knows he is booked until the party ends.

4. Design a theme. Homecoming, luau, Cinco de Mayo, Halloween and safari themes are popular choices. Visit a party store and buy decorations to complement your theme or make decorations on your own.

5. Enforce a dress code. For instance, if you have a 1930s theme, request that all guests come dressed in proper attire. Additionally, notify guests of requests for casual or black-tie dress.

6. Make invitations. Have them made online or at a local store. Be sure to incorporate your fraternity's signature colors with the theme of your frat party.

7. Consider party favors. Fun ideas include individualized cookies or beer mugs bearing your fraternity's signature.

8. Decide what to do for food and drink. You can hire bartenders for house parties and keep an open bar for guests or choose a venue like a nightclub so guests can buy their own. Food may also come with the venue or you can look for caterers.

Know What to Expect at a Frat Party

1. Keep emergency numbers on hand in case things get out of control. If your party will be held on campus, know the numbers for your campus police department as well as any campus-provided transportation for guests too intoxicated to drive.

2. Expect overnight guests. If you host the party at your frat house, you will most certainly wake up with additional roommates, especially if drinking was involved.

3. Follow all rules and laws. Stay out of trouble by adhering to all campus policies, city and state laws and rules set forth by the venue.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan your frat party around the parties of other fraternities and sororities if possible. Some nights, like Homecoming, can't be avoided. You'll have more guests if you plan your party on a night without other events happening.

• Keep an eye on your guests at all times. If alcohol is involved, beware of alcohol poisoning and underage drinking.